What are the entry requirements for a Level 2 apprenticeship?
To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you need to be:
- aged 16 or over. If you are over 25, there are some restrictions on the types of apprenticeship you can do
- already be in employment, or about to take up paid employment, in Northern Ireland
- be working a minimum of 21 hours per week on a permanent contract
- not be in full-time education
You may also be eligible to take an apprenticeship in England, Scotland, or Wales as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
An apprenticeship is a real job, so you’ll also need to meet any other criteria set out by the employer. Entry requirements are different depending on the employer and the role, but generally, you don’t need any formal qualifications to take a Level 2 apprenticeship.
Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. Employers will be looking for willingness to learn, passion, and transferrable skills you could bring to the role.
How do Level 2 apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship consists of mainly on-the-job training and some study away from work, which means you put what you learn into practice. You’ll spend most of your time at work and the rest in off-the-job learning with your training provider, who delivers the study part of the apprenticeship.
This often works out about four days a week at work, and one day learning, but this can vary depending on the apprenticeship. At the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll be assessed and then awarded your apprenticeship if you pass. This is nothing to worry about, you’ll have been building up your skills for the assessment throughout the apprenticeship.
- You’re an employee and get paid a salary, a holiday allowance, and sick pay.
- You won’t have to pay any study costs towards your apprenticeship.
- You’ll be guided by a professional mentor who will help you along the way.
- You already need to be in employment, or about to take up paid employment, to be eligible for an apprenticeship in Northern Ireland.
- Learning and studying on the job can be tough. You’ll need to manage your time so you can fit in working and studying. Your employer will support you, but you need to be organised and take responsibility.
- With an apprenticeship, life is very different to going to uni. Whilst there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, it won’t be like going to uni.
Finding a training provider
Once you’re in employment and have agreed with your employer that you can become an apprentice, contact a local training provider. They will check your eligibility and discuss the options available to you. Your training provider will then meet with you and your employer to discuss your apprenticeship and develop and agree on a training plan.
What industries can I do an apprenticeship in?
Level 2 apprenticeships are offered in a wide range of industries, from accounting or business, to fashion, hospitality, marketing, and many more.